Yet another follow-up on the ongoing situation with North Korea. Interesting that the missle defense initiative is being brought up. I haven't heard much about that since September 11. I wonder if the rest of the world is more supportive of it now ?

Japan plans to decide by 2003 or 2004 whether to move to the development stage, but there has been little progress in domestic debate on the issue.

2003 isn't that far away but if they are considering 2004 they must not consider North Korea to not be that much of a threat. If they were worried I'm sure they'd be pushing for the development stage as soon as possible.